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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Readers are in for a delightful romp with this award-winning
debut from a British author who dances in the footsteps of P. L. Travers and
Roald Dahl. As the story opens, mysterious goings-on ruffle the self-satisfied
suburban world of the Dursleys, culminating in a trio of strangers depositing
the Dursleys' infant nephew Harry in a basket on their doorstep. After 11 years
of disregard and neglect at the hands of his aunt, uncle and their swinish son
Dudley, Harry suddenly receives a visit from a giant named Hagrid, who informs
Harry that his mother and father were a witch and a wizard, and that he is to
attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry himself. Most surprising of
all, Harry is a legend in the witch world of having survived an attack by the
evil sorcerer Voldemort, who killed his parents and left Harry with a
lighting-shaped scar on his forehead. And so the fun begins, with Harry going
off to boarding school like a typical English kid -- only his supplies include a
message -- carrying owl and a magic wand. There is enchantment, suspense and
danger galore (as well as enough creepy creatures to satisfy the most
bogey-men-loving readers, and even a magical game of soccer-like Quidditch to
entertain sports fans) as Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione plumb the
secrets of the forbidden third floor at Hogwarts to battle evil and unravel the
mystery behind Harry's scar. Rowling leaves the door wide open for a sequel;
bedazzled readers will surely clamor for one. Ages 8-12.
Review (07/20/1998) Publisher Weekly
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